Knit 4 Justice take over Salisburbury Market Place

15th January 2013

Anonymous yarn-bombing may be the latest trend in knitting groups, but one club has chosen to make themselves known by protesting surrounded by woollen decorations.

The Knit 4 Justice Group occupied Salisbury Market Place this week, covering trees and signs with knitted and crocheted pieces, as well as mock red tape made from wool encircling them, the BBC reports.

Using the slogan "knit it to the man", the campaigners are objecting to the loss of disabled parking spaces and Wiltshire Council's plans to create a pedestrianised piazza at the centre of the city.

However, the group claim that the eight spaces in the Guildhall Square are desperately needed by disabled residents as they are the only spots within 250 metres of the library, post office and banks.

In response to their protests and more than 100 replies to a public consultation, the council argues that before the spaces are closed they will provide alternative parking areas.

"We have worked very hard with local people to come up with a design that fits with their aspirations for the squares," claims Salisbury area board chairman, Richard Clewer.

He added that the plans include "repaving the Market Place with granite and Yorkstone, adding new seating and lighting, and building new disabled toilet facilities".

But, despite attempts to come to a compromise, Helen Farmer from the protest group told the broadcaster: "This will be a disaster. Other car parks are only accessible by narrow and uneven pavements. It's hard to think of a more idiotic suggestion."

Salisbury Area Board chairman Richard Clewer said: "We have worked very hard with local people to come up with a design that fits with their aspirations for the squares.

"The plans include repaving the Market Place with granite and Yorkstone, adding new seating and lighting, and building new disabled toilet facilities."

But Helen Farmer from the protest group said: "This will be a disaster. Other car parks are only accessible by narrow and uneven pavements. It's hard to think of a more idiotic suggestion."